Principal's Report

Dear St FX Parents and Carers,

Uniform Policy

Last week, I spoke with all students about the St FX Uniform Policy as I had been observing many students coming to school in the incorrect uniform or wearing the uniform in an untidy manner. Items such as; long black tights instead of green tracksuit pants, skins which hang below school shorts/skorts/skirts and students wearing excessive wristbands. Please note the following Uniform Policy:

• The School Hat with emblem must be worn by all students at all times during all outside activities. This is in line with our Sun Protection Policy and ensures we continue to be a Sun Safe School.
• Hair that is longer than shoulder length (boys and girls) must be tied back at all times with green, gold or natural coloured hair ties, ribbons or scrunchies. 
• Hair colouring of any kind is not permitted without explicit permission from the Principal.
• Hair styles with cut or shaved shapes and patterns are not permitted.
• Nail polish and false nails are not permitted.
• Jewellery is not permitted with the exception of a watch, medical bracelet, a necklace with a small cross or crucifix and plain studs or sleeper earrings - maximum of two per ear (girls only).
• In the event of needing to wear an alternate uniform, parents and carers must provide a note explaining the circumstances to the school. 
• The St Francis Xavier’s school uniform should be clean and must be worn with pride at all times. This includes; 

-Shirts tucked in during class times, at formal events and when arriving at school or leaving the school premises.

-Ties worn high on the neck and tied correctly.

-Black leather shoes are kept clean and polished at all times. 

-Joggers are only permitted to be worn as part of the sports uniform.

As we approach warmer weather, we will let families know about the changeover period to the Summer uniform. This will occur later this term. If you require any assistance with the school uniform, please see Rebecca Hogan or Emma Gould at the St FX Office. 

2025 Dance Extravaganza

Our annual Dance Extravaganza is back this term in Week 6. In the past, the Dance Extravaganza has been an awesome showcase of talent, and there’s no reason to suggest this year’s event will be any different! We have engaged both Aleeta Northey and Lauren Grant, to work with class groups in the lead up to the big night. The 2025 Dance Extravaganza will be held at the Crossing Theatre on Thursday 25th September at 7pm, and more information will be sent home regarding rehearsals, costumes and dates in the coming weeks.  

School Satisfaction Survey 

An annual satisfaction survey of parents, students and staff will be conducted on behalf of all Catholic schools in the Diocese this term. The surveys are designed to gather feedback from parents, staff and students about our school and will be used to inform school improvement. Responses are confidential, and individuals can not be identified. The surveys will be launched via email on Monday, 25th August 2025 using the email addresses supplied to the school.  We will also share a link through Compass in case you don't receive the original email. The survey will close on Wednesday, 3rd September 2025.

 Chess Champion

The NSW Junior Chess League invited students from our school to take part in the 2025 NSW Primary Schools Chess Teams Competition.  The NSWJCL is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation which conducts tournaments and other chess activities for young people.

Congratulations to Cody Burford, Mya Keeler, Lachlan Dunn and Sayul Kankanam Arachchige who travelled to St Xavier's in Gunnedah for the competition.  All of these students proudly represented our school and finished 13th out of 23 teams. A special shout out to Sayul who was not only undefeated, he also finished with a final ranking as Number 1! Thank you to Mr Michael Falkiner who made this opportunity possible for our students to attend. 

Diocesan Athletics Carnival 

Well done to the team of 39 athletes from St Francis Xavier’s who attended the Diocesan Athletics Carnival held in Tamworth last Tuesday. A special thank you to our Sporties Team who accompanied our students on the day  -  Mrs Jess Craig, Miss Lucy Suttor, Mrs Nikki Lampe and Mrs Janelle Nehrkorn. The day can be quite hectic and our staff ensured that everyone got to their events on time and that every one of our students had the best day!

Brain Olympia

Three teams of 8 students travelled to Walgett last Thursday to compete in the cluster for Brain Olympia.  Each team consisted of students from Years 4, 5 and 6.  Brain Olympia is an event where students are challenged in the areas of General Knowledge, Drama, Public Speaking and Maths.  Congratulations to the Nandewar team who finished in equal first place on the day.  They will now travel to Gunnedah next week for the Brain Olympia final.

Have a great week!

Mrs Michelle O’Connor

Principal